Follow Us

A Glamorous Outdoor Destination Wedding in California

Kristen and Eliot

In high school, Eliot was the dreamy senior boy that, as a freshman, Kristen crushed on from afar. Ten years later, she was out with friends and caught the eye of a handsome man. She soon realized it was Eliot and worked up the nerve to approach him. They hit it off, but geography wasn’t on their side—she was in Los Angeles, he was in San Francisco—so nothing came of that “magical night”. Five years later Kristen moved to New York, and with some help from Facebook, she learned that Eliot was now also in the Big Apple. She messaged him and they’ve been together ever since. On June 16, 2012, with 135 of their nearest and dearest watching, they became husband and wife, back on the West Coast, not too far from that chance meeting.

Save-the-dates and invites by Dauphine Press gave guests an early glimpse at the wedding’s style and color palette. Floral patterns and script typography hinted at the formal elegance, while chevron stripes added modernity.

A Warm Welcome

Tote bags added to the duo’s bicoastal theme by sporting an illustration (by the bride, and printed by Wedding Chicks) of the States with pale pink hearts over both San Francisco and New York City. Inside, were favorites from each coast: Long Island potato chips, Ghirardelli chocolates, and mini bottles of Napa wines.

The Location

Beaulieu Garden provided all of the beautiful, diverse backdrops for the elegant celebration. “From the French rose garden to the sunken lily pond to the cocktail grove to the dining arbor, it felt like we hosted multiple events in one evening,” Kristen said.

The Fashions

A strapless silk-faille gown with asymmetrical neckline by Amsale was paired with a veil by the designer, Sergio Rossi shoes, and the mother-of-the-bride’s diamond necklace. For the groom, a classic tuxedo (by Hugo Boss) and a custom peach bow tie fit the bill.

One Last Joke

A few years before the couple met, the groom was a contestant on The Bachelorette and ever since, friends and family like to tease him about it. Kristen couldn’t resist poking one last bit of fun at him before exchanging their vows. The officiant told Eliot that Kristen had one more question for him, and thanks to a stealthy handoff among the bridesmaids, a single long-stemmed red rose made its way to the bride who asked the familiar question, “Will you accept this rose?” The gesture got a roar of laughter from all in attendance, and with a huge grin, he said yes.

The Service

During the ceremony a live music by a jazz trio played, Kristen presented her mom with a single white bloom bearing a note that read “I love you so” (a favorite message they’ve exchanged for many years), rose petals were strewn along the steps, and the bride’s niece read 1st Corinthians.

The Portraits

Cards printed with different peach chevron stripes dictated guests’ seating assignments. They were attached to thick peach ribbon hung from the eave of the cottage house stairs, which was on the way to the dining area.

The Table Names

Instead of numbers, tables were identified with the couple’s favorite places in Manhattan—including the hotel where Eliot popped the question, their go-to bagel shop on Sunday mornings, and beloved bars and restaurants.

A Delightful Duo

The Entertainment

The couple danced nose-to-nose as “Try Me” by James Brown played. There were two surprise live performances too: the bride’s mother and girlfriends lip-synced to The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine” (wearing feather boas), and one of the bridesmaids and a friend performed Sam Cooke’s “Cupid,” one of Kristen’s favorite songs.